Westmont, Ill. - Saint Xavier University junior kicker Shane Longest (Wilmington, Ill./Wilmington) was named the Don Hansen's Weekly Football Gazette Special Teams Player of the Week when the honor was released by the publication Friday. He was one of just two players in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) to receive this recognition after playing an instrumental role in the No. 8 ranked Cougars' 48-0 win over No. 30 Lambuth University (Tenn.) last Saturday in Chicago.

Longest was perfect on the night converting both of his field goal attempts from 41 yards and 27 yards, respectively, in addition to his six extra-point attempts. He also handled kickoff duties in last Saturday's win combining for 562 yards (62.4 yards per kickoff average) and four touchbacks.

Saint Xavier (1-0 overall) heads to Lebanon, Ill., on Saturday, September 9, to face MSFA Midwest League rival and No. 5 ranked McKendree College in the Bearcats' season opener. Game time is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. at Leemon Field.